Serve two masters
verb phrase
To be under the control of or work for two different people, or to try to follow two contrasting or conflicting perspectives, goals, or principles.
In politics, it's difficult to serve two masters, as the interests of the party often conflict with those of the public.
Often appears as...
- find hard to serve two masters
- cannot serve two masters
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To be under the control of or work for two different people, or to try to follow two contrasting or conflicting perspectives, goals, or principles.
In politics, it's difficult to serve two masters, as the interests of the party often conflict with those of the public.
Often appears as...
- find hard to serve two masters
- cannot serve two masters
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Loyalty Conflict
The phrase often highlights a struggle to stay loyal to two different entities or ideals.
As a consultant, she found it tough to serve two masters, balancing the needs of her company and her client.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase 'serve two masters' is usually metaphorical, not about literal service to two different people.
He couldn't serve two masters, being torn between his career and his passion for art.
Pro Tip 3/3Internal Struggle
It suggests an inner conflict when one has to make a choice between two important commitments.
She struggled to serve two masters, her family responsibilities and her academic ambitions.
Pro Tip 1/3Loyalty Conflict
The phrase often highlights a struggle to stay loyal to two different entities or ideals.
As a consultant, she found it tough to serve two masters, balancing the needs of her company and her client.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase 'serve two masters' is usually metaphorical, not about literal service to two different people.
He couldn't serve two masters, being torn between his career and his passion for art.
Pro Tip 3/3Internal Struggle
It suggests an inner conflict when one has to make a choice between two important commitments.
She struggled to serve two masters, her family responsibilities and her academic ambitions.
Pro Tip 1/3Loyalty Conflict
The phrase often highlights a struggle to stay loyal to two different entities or ideals.
As a consultant, she found it tough to serve two masters, balancing the needs of her company and her client.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase 'serve two masters' is usually metaphorical, not about literal service to two different people.
He couldn't serve two masters, being torn between his career and his passion for art.
Pro Tip 3/3Internal Struggle
It suggests an inner conflict when one has to make a choice between two important commitments.
She struggled to serve two masters, her family responsibilities and her academic ambitions.
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